Police cut protestors greet Scots Cabinet

The protestors

Police control room staff used the visit of the Scottish Cabinet to Portlethen on Monday (February 24) to raise their objections to plans to close North- east centres.

The Unison members took position outside the Portlethen Parish Church claiming the moves will result in 130 jobs lost in the region.

In Deeside, Aboyne Police Station will be closed and Banchory and Ballater will see new opening hours.

One of the protestors, Toby Morrison told the Piper: “What we are telling the First Minister today is that we can’t afford to relocate for new jobs, of we’re offered new jobs that is!

“We want to keep knowledge local... everyone will be affected by a lesser service otherwise.”

The force claims its aim is to provide the “best value for money” to the taxpayer.

During the question and answer session held at the event Justice Secretary Kenny MacAskill praised the “terrific” Police Force in Scotland but added: “we can’t have ten control rooms in a small country.”

First Minister Alex Salmond, also speaking in the question and answer session, said that there were now 139 additional police officers in the North- east since the SNP were elected in 2011.